Being in Michael’s SUV, surrounded by four towering men, was undeniably intimidating. Yet, what truly sent a chill down my spine was Damon, seated directly behind me. His presence was palpable, the tension between us thick and inescapable, making it nearly impossible to focus on anything else.

Michael remained intent on navigating out of Thunder Bay, his hands gripping the wheel as he glanced at the rearview mirror. “We’re not going far, just enough to clear our heads,” he said, his tone calm but resolute.

Kai, sitting in the passenger seat, leaned back slightly, his eyes scanning the road ahead. “Might want to rethink the playlist, Michael. ‘Radioactive’ isn’t exactly helping anyone relax,” he remarked dryly, though the faint smirk on his face betrayed his humor.

Will chuckled from beside me, shifting slightly in his seat. “What, you need something softer, Kai? Maybe some Adele?” he teased, his tone light as his gaze flicked to me briefly. “Or would that make things even more tense?”

Behind me, Damon let out a low chuckle, the sound sharp and deliberate. “Relax, Will,” he said, his voice smooth and mocking. “Not everyone needs a distraction to handle silence. Some of us thrive in it.” His cigarette smoke curled into the air as he spoke, his words laced with a deliberate edge that made my pulse quicken.

Michael’s voice cut through. “Enough,” he said firmly. “We’re almost there. Save the games for later.” The air crackled with unspoken energy as the SUV rumbled on.